New initiatives to increase female participation in NSW cyber security

The NSW Government has today announced two new initiatives to increase the number of women working in leading roles as the State continues to increase its uplift in Cyber Security.

Speaking at the 2022 NSW Government Cyber Security Showcase, Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government Victor Dominello announced 11 new $15,000 sponsorships for women across the NSW Government to increase their cyber security skills and that Cyber Security NSW would sponsor the Australian Women in Security Network, a not-for-profit dedicated to supporting and growing the number of women in the security community.

“These initiatives are designed to boost the number of women in cyber security and to help expand the recipients’ skills, whether in the technical, policy, governance or intelligence areas of the industry,” Mr Dominello said.

“With this investment we can upskill our workforce and offer new and exciting opportunities our candidates might have not considered in the past.

“While Cyber Security NSW is one of the leading agencies at the forefront of female participation in the industry, just like cyber security itself, this work is not set and forget.”

Minister for Women Bronnie Taylor said the NSW Government is shifting the dial and increasing the participation of women in traditionally male dominated industries.
 
“The NSW Government is committed to understanding the challenges women face when looking to succeed in emerging high-value industries like Cyber-Security,” Mrs Taylor said.
 
“We know that when women and girls feel comfortable and welcome in an industry, they stick with it, so initiatives that support and encourage women to pursue their dreams are so important.
 
“My message to all women considering a future in cyber security is that we need you, we value you and your contribution to this space is crucial.”
 
NSW Chief Cyber Security Officer Tony Chapman said the Australian Women in Security Network (AWSN) is ideal the organisation for Cyber Security NSW sponsorship.

“The AWSN aims to increase the number of women entering, working in, and leading Australia’s security industry, in turn inspiring women to pursue a career in security and helping build the Australian pipeline of talented security professionals,” Mr Chapman said.

“The NSW Cyber Security Strategy has forecast that almost 17,000 new cyber security jobs will be needed by 2026.”
For more information about Cyber Security NSW visit: https://www.digital.nsw.gov.au/policy/cyber-security